A bell jangles and the double Dekker steel bridge across the canal pivots on one end, coming to attention to allow the tall- masted Catamaran entrance to the Quay side town house complex. Those of us who live in Knysna are not unduly surprised by the opening of the bridge or the majestic entrance of the beautiful yacht, but the visitors, to Knysna and the waterfront, have a field day with their cameras.
The comfortable chairs at Mario’s are close enough to the water to allow the patrons to reach out and all but touch the yacht as it passes, makes a graceful turn, and comes to rest against the adjoining quay.
The Knysna Waterfront Shops, restaurants, and the Knysna Quays residential area, are relatively new additions to the attractions that draw thousands of visitors, from all corners of the globe, to Knysna.
The lazy, relaxed atmosphere is spiked by the aromas of fresh sea food and other culinary delights and there is no better place to find a seat than at Mario’s where you can slowly scrutinise the menu. The anticipation of tasting a delectably chilled, never before tasted white wine, or a red that hints at chocolate and nuts, gets the saliva working. Your nose is engaged in an intricate duet or quartet with the fragrances wafting from the kitchen. Fragrances that then mingle with the crisp sea air and entice other passing tourists.
You some how manage to make a choice, while your memory conjures up the nuances of taste, texture, and pleasure, associated with the descriptions of the dishes that are on offer.
The meal or dish is more than pleasing. All your senses jostle for position while the entire experience is being embedded in your memory, for reference in the conversations you will have once you are back home with friends or family.
You linger, sipping Irish coffee or some other exquisite extension to the pleasures that your palate has already experienced, and it is almost a sadness to rise and reluctantly bid farewell to the smiling owner and his courteous staff.
Like the tide, you will be back, to extend the pleasures experienced at Mario’s. Its more often the not the restaurant of choice for most locals and that in Knysna says a lot.
Our contributing author Peter Dijkstra runs a workshop offering services which include freelance copy writers and journalists as well as……..property for sale in the Garden Route
